Blurg. There was only one way for the starters to go after the first time through. But they didn't have to crash quite this hard. It is entirely possible that we have already seen the best and worst five game stretches from the starters we will see all year. Let's hope it doesn't get any worse than the last five games.
Chen was very Chen-like in the last game in Oakland, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings, and at least giving the offense and bullpen a chance. The offense did their part before Broxton's 12th inning meltdown for the ages. Then at the home opener, disaster struck immediately when Hochevar couldn't locate, Yuni Betancourt and Jarrod Dyson forgot how to field baseballs, Indian check swings were falling in for RBI hits, and suddenly the Indians had seven runs in the first inning. Hoch settled down for three scoreless innings after that before taking a liner off his lower leg, putting his next start in jeopardy. Things did not get better in the next two starts as Sanchez and Mendoza were wild and hit hard. We knew there'd be starts like this from Sanchez. Dude has some of the worst control in the majors. The key will be making disaster starts an exception instead of the rule.
Duffman had the tough task of trying to stop the streak of meltdowns while opposing Vustin Jerlander. Duffy couldn't match the reigning Cy Young and MVP entirely, but he hung right there with him for 6.2. Duffy's curve has been filthy, his fastball hard with life, and he seems to be locating. With seven Ks and one walk, it was about as good of a start as you'll see in which the pitcher gives up two bombs. As pitiful as this go-around of the rotation was, Duffy capped it off with, if not a masterpiece, at least a reminder of what it looks like to see an ace pitch in a Royals uniform.
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